Humantay Lake Hike full day – Blue Lagoon tour to Salkantay Trail

Cusco, Humantay Lake

From

Duration

1 day

Tour Type

Overview

Humantay Lake: The Salkantay Trek to Humantay Lake tour in Peru (or the Blue Lagoon) is a one-day hike to visit the beautiful turquoise lake at the base of the glacial mountain of Humantay, located in the Vilcabamba mountain range.

Enjoy nature at its most spectacular! The special algae in the lake, combined with the reflection of the surrounding greenery, the blue sky, and the splendor of the Andean sun, create a deep shade of turquoise blue that is very rare indeed.

Tour Location

Country: Peru
Region: Cusco Region
Departure: Cusco
Destination: Humantay Lake
Trailhead Area: Soraypampa
Mountain Range: Salkantay Mountain

Tour Type

Full-Day Tour
Small Group or Private Service

Tour Category

Adventure Tour
Hiking / Trekking
Nature & Scenic Landscapes
Mountain Experience

Travel Information

Duration: Full-day (approximately 12–14 hours)
Departure Time: Around 4:00 AM (hotel pickup in Cusco)
Return Time: Around 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Transportation: Round-trip transportation included
Starting Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,460 ft
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
Hiking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours uphill 1 to 1.5 hours downhill
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Season: April to December (dry season recommended)

Included/Exclude

Pick up from your hotel
Van to transfer to the trailhead
Entrance fee to the National Park
Breakfast at the trailhead
Visit to the lake with your English-speaking guide
Lunch
Oxygen tank (in case it is needed)
Van to Drive back and drop off at your hotel.

Tips

Tour Plan

HUMANTAY LAKE HIKE FULL-DAY BLUE LAGOON TOUR VIA SALKANTAY TRAIL

Start your Humantay Lake Day with a Scenic Drive

Your one day hike on the Salkantay Trail to the Humantay Lake (or Blue Lagoon) starts with an early morning pick up (4 AM) from your hotel or AirBnB within Cusco city. The drive itself is most impressive with amazing views of the mountains as we drive along, passing through a few indigenous villages and cornfields en route to the trailhead. The drive to Soraypampa is about 3 hours, and we will be starting our hike at an elevation of 3800 meters/12,460 feet.

Hike the Hidden Gem Salkantay Trail

Here, surrounded by majestic mountains and valleys, your hiking team will prepare a delicious breakfast to give you lots of energy before we start our ascent. The uphill hike along the Salkantay Trail is 1½ to 2 hours, with your guide pointing out the various flora and fauna along the way, stopping for a postcard-perfect shot of the snow-capped peaks here and there.

Spend time Exploring Humantay Lake

At the top is the treasure! The magnificent Humantay Lake (Blue Lagoon), otherwise known as Laguna Humantay, is an incredible and unforgettable shade of deep turquoise with the snow-capped Humantay glacial mountains in the background! Take time to explore the lake, snap photos, and take in the mesmerizing color of the water.

Enjoy Lunch at the Base of the Trail

Of course, the descent is usually a bit quicker than your initial climb, and when we get to the bottom, we’ll have a nice lunch prepared to reward you! With our hearts and bellies full, we will start our 3-hour return to Cusco in our private van.